It’s mournfully sad, very beautiful, music. But, for many, these are sad times. And we all need more beauty. That was my takeaway after a 75-minute submersion of ears and soul in the exquisite rapture of Lagrime di San Pietro (Tears of St. Peter), a stunning swathe of a capella choral music by Orlando di Lasso dating from the 16th century.
Delivered with gestural choreography staged by Peter Sellars, the vocal artists of the Los Angeles Master Chorale performed the polyphonic music in a cycling, constantly evolving, on-stage dosey-doe with their highly artistic conductor, Grant Gershon.
Marvelous news that this analgesic to civilization will find life on the road! “Lagrime” will play Ravinia in the fall and then returns to the old world from the new starting next spring.
Confirmed tour dates so far are:
- Ravinia Festival (Illinois) – September 15, 2018
- Barbican Centre, London – May 23, 2019
- Cité de la musique, Paris – May 27, 2019
photos: tao ruspoli/marie noorbergen, patrick brown for l.a. master chorale